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Gauri, a young village girl holding firm views about morals a...
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VASUNDHARA'S STORY
Roses, lilacs, lilies, lotuses, jasmines and tulips decorated the grand chamber of Chandra Mahal like a zealous caress of a lover in the light of a full moon. Ethereal and enthralling, it looked perfect to build a gentle atmosphere and mark the commencement of a journey to unify two souls. The doors to a wide balcony were allowed to stay open, to let the cool air in. It flickers the flames of numerous candles standing proudly on the antique candleholders. The creamy white net curtains flew in the arms of teasing gust.
The main attraction of room lies in the centre. The wedding bed. White of the softest silk shimmered under the punishing glow of fluorescence and thrived beneath a blanket of rose petals. A four-poster king-sized bed was shielded by the curtain of jasmines and tulips.
In the canopy of magnificent flowery drape, sat a nervous bride in red. Her henna-covered hands fidget with the heavily embroidered long skirt. Her striking face was covered with a veil as she waited for her husband to enter the room for the first time. She was clueless about what to expect from a man like the prince because they never got the chance to communicate prior to marriage, not even a letter was exchanged. As soon as the discussion about the proposal started among elders, Raghuveer left the country to attend to important business. He returned three days before the rituals started and has been since closed off. Vasundhara now started doubting her decision to marry a man of her father's choice. Through her sources, she collected that he had many affairs and drinks like there's no tomorrow, but all were brushed off saying this is how young princes roll. She wanted to argue but who might've listened to her in the excitement of allying with the richest family of the state? They said she was lucky that the King chose her of all the girls.
Now she has no idea what to expect or how to talk with the Prince for the first time. Marriage was no joke but a partnership for a lifetime. She was pushed into it like a hurricane. Hopefully, the same didn't happen to Raghuveer or it will take a lot of effort to open up. She still doesn't get the point of a wedding night right after the completion of rituals in an arranged marriage.
In her view, the entire fiasco was bogus and toxic.
First, the male and the female are thrust into a nuptial, then they are supposed to consummate and produce heirs. If they are lucky, they fall in love and get to know each other better in the upcoming years.
The entire process is upside down.
She swore, that in future when her kids will come of the right age, she will encourage them to fall in love first. Even if they fall victim to an arranged marriage, she will not force them to jump into bed right away. They must make time to understand their better half, their likes and dislikes, ambitions and dreams before proceeding ahead. It should be a rule.
Her busy mind woke from its reverie when the double doors of the room opened. Instantly, her throat dried and she stopped breathing. Her poor heart thudded like it was her last moment of freedom before facing the toughest exam.
